The Alabama Crimson Tide and Michigan Wolverines will compete in the Rose Bowl for a spot in this season’s National Championship Game. The bowl game will see some of the top players in college football collide in a matchup of two colossal football programs.
However, some players will not be playing in the college football playoff semi-final at the Rose Bowl, with players missing out because they have entered the transfer portal or have suffered injuries.
Using the College Football Network Bowl Game Opt-Out Tracker, we know the Alabama and Michigan players who have opted out of playing in the College Football Playoffs and the Semifinal at the Rose Bowl.
The game will occur at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena on January 1, 2024, at 5 pm ET. It is the first of the two playoff semi-finals on New Year’s Day.
While Alabama will miss some useful players, their core squad remains intact. Some players have been lost to the transfer portal, but head coach Nick Saban retains most of the side that led them there.
Most notably, the Crimson Tide will be without backup QB Tyler Buchner, who shockingly entered the transfer portal and will be transferring to play lacrosse rather than football.
However, the biggest loss for Alabama will be wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks, who has entered the transfer portal. After productive freshman and sophomore seasons, Brooks has been used sparingly in 2023, leading to his decision to transfer out.
Fellow WR Thaiu Jones-Bell has also chosen to enter the transfer portal and will not be participating in the Rose Bowl. Jones-Bell has not been active for Alabama in 2023, so the Crimson Tide receiving corps remains together.
Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond have led the team in receiving yards, and both look to be ready for the playoff semi-final.
